Where can I donate my cord blood?

I have been asked this question quite a few times by parents. What an amazing thing to be able to save a life with something that would normally be thrown away.

Cord blood is rich in stem cells, which can help to cure many life threatening diseases. The stem cells found in cord blood can restore the function of the patient’s immune and blood producing systems. The blood is collected after birth after the cord is cut. Blood is not required from the baby.

Private vs Public bank

You can use a private or public bank to collect and store the cord blood. Private collection banks are used to help a family member who is ill or even to store for future illness in the family. A private cord blood bank charges for collection and storage. You can find a private company by searching on the internet and they can usually arrange collection across the UK.

A public bank is for anyone who may need a stem cell transplant. There is no cost for collection and the mothers are not paid. Cord blood donations to the public are stored until they are issued to a patient who needs a stem cell transplant. It is not yet known how long frozen cord blood may be stored for, although research has shown that stem cells remain healthy for between 10 and 20 years.